Middle East Programs

Through our Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East and Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, the Atlantic Council works with allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

Explore THE PROGRAM

Meet our blogs

MENASource

MENASource follows movements across the region and provides news and analysis on current events, including a platform for Middle Eastern perspectives, among others, on major issues—economic, political, security, cultural—that are at stake in the post-Arab Spring era.  

IranSource

IranSource provides a holistic look at Iran’s internal dynamics, global and regional policies, and posture through unique analysis of current events and long-term, strategic issues related to Iran.

All commentary & analysis

IranSource

Apr 9, 2024

Iran talks a big game. But it’s limited in its ability to respond to Israel. 

By Saeid Jafari

There is no doubt that Tehran will respond in some capacity. However, the main issue is that Iran cannot provide an effective and equivalent response.

Conflict Iran

IranSource

Apr 5, 2024

Tehran cooked up a conspiracy theory blaming Israel for US TikTok ban

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

While the Islamic Republic’s propaganda machine criticizes the United States for its “violations” of free speech online, the clerical establishment has shown time and again that the Internet has no place in Khamenei’s vision for the country.

Human Rights Internet

MENASource

Apr 5, 2024

Most GCC states condemned the attack on the Iranian embassy complex in Syria. An escalation is what they fear most.

By Giorgio Cafiero

Fearful that hostilities between Israel and Iran could spiral out of control, the GCC states are keen to avoid the heat as much as possible.

Conflict Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Apr 5, 2024

For Israel’s war in Gaza, vengeance is a downward spiral

By Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is taking Israel from being a nation widely admired by Americans to evoking dismay among an increasing share of the population.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Apr 3, 2024

Jordan was already walking a tightrope. Then the Gaza war happened.

By Aaron Magid

Around six months into the war, many Jordanians have not been satisfied with their government’s response to the Gaza war.

Conflict Israel

IranSource

Apr 2, 2024

Iranian drones have proliferated under US watch

By Daniel E. Mouton

Although the solution to stop the spread of Iranian drones is complex, it is important to note that there were plenty of warnings and time for the United States to prepare its defenses.

Conflict Defense Policy

MENASource

Mar 30, 2024

As long as Sisi continues his policies, the Egyptian economy will drown 

By Shahira Amin

While the funding secured in recent weeks will help ease the economic crisis and stabilize Egypt in the short term, skeptics fear it may only offer a temporary respite.

Economy & Business Middle East

Event Recap

Mar 29, 2024

Launching the Syria Strategy Project

By JP Reppeto and Charles Johnson

On March 18, 2024, the Atlantic Council’s Syria Project, the Middle East Institute’s Syria Program, the European Institute of Peace, and Madaniya Civil Society Network launched the Syria Strategy, an intensive process of engagement with subject matter experts and policymakers in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East to develop a holistic strategy to […]

Civil Society Conflict

MENASource

Mar 29, 2024

No, Putin, the ISIS-K attack in Moscow wasn’t about Ukraine

By Mark N. Katz

This attack by ISIS-K may have been motivated by several grievances, including retaliation for the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan.

Europe & Eurasia Middle East

IranSource

Mar 27, 2024

Ex-minister Zarif confirms Iran’s reform movement is dead

By Shay Khatiri

The audio leak confirms that there was, in fact, a sincere reform movement in the 1990s, and now that movement is dead.

Iran Middle East
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